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Variations in toxicity and treatment response are observed among patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) despite similar clinicopathologic characteristics that are attributed to gene polymorphisms. This study aimed to review the literatures about the impact of gene polymorphisms on post‐treatment toxicity and treatment response in HNSCCs. A systematic search of all original articles about impact of gene polymorphisms on toxicity and response rate in HNSCCs was done till September 2021 using Google Scholar and PubMed databases. Of 15 345 initial searched articles, 25 articles were finally found to be eligible for inclusion in this review. A total of 41 genes and 69 polymorphisms were examined in these studies. Twenty‐nine genes with 42 polymorphisms for treatment response and 21 genes with 33 polymorphisms were examined for post‐treatment toxicity. Because each of the Asp312Asn ERCC2, IIe105Val GSTP1, and Phe31Ile AurkA polymorphisms has been associated with significant results in two studies, these polymorphisms are more likely to be associated with a treatment response. In the same way, the R521K EGFR polymorphism is more likely to be associated with a post‐treatment toxicity. Because some polymorphisms such as R521K EGFR, *4 or *6 CYP2D6, and rs396991 FcγRIIIa have been associated with significant results in one study (without contradictory study), it is likely that they will be associated with a treatment response by further studies. Due to the paucity of studies, definitive conclusions are impossible, so further studies with meta‐analysis in the future are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is a genetic disorder. A heterogeneous group of benign and malignant neoplasms are associated with NF-1. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an extremely rare invasive malignancy. The association of ACC with NF1 is not well understood. Case Presentation: We report a case of ACC in the context of NF1 in a 39- year-old woman who referred with the chief complaint of a mass in left abdomen. A left adrenal lesion was diagnosed by CT scan. Biochemical tests showed no abnormality. Adrenalectomy was done and histological and immunohistochemical findings confirmed ACC. Due to the absence of metastasis, clinical stage II was considered for the tumor. On follow-up after six months, she was still alive and well and with no evidence of metastasis. The age of patient and lack of secretion of adrenal cortical hormones in this case were unlike most ACCs. Conclusion: Also, modified Weiss score for malignancy of adrenocortical neoplasms, clinical staging system and different modality of treatment is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a rare inflammatory, autoimmune, and subepithelial vesiculobullous disease in which tissue-bound autoantibodies are produced against one or more components of the basement membrane. Oral lesions of the pemphigoid begin in the form of vesicles or bullae that often involve throughout the mouth but may be confined to specific areas, especially the gingiva, in a pattern known as desquamative gingivitis. The positive Nikolsky's sign is characteristic of pemphigus vulgaris, in which a blister can appear on the normal-appearing skin if exerting lateral pressure, and is very rare in the mucosa and other vesiculobullous diseases. Here we report a case of mucous membrane pemphigoid that developed as desquamated gingivitis in a 46-year-old woman with positive Nikolsky's sign in the gingival mucosa. In the histopathologic view, a subepithelial cleft was observed. The results of direct and indirect immunofluorescence tests and related therapeutic interventions are also presented. Positive Nikolsky's sign can be observed in the mucosa as well as in the mucous membrane pemphigoid in addition to pemphigus vulgaris, and vesiculobullous lesions should be diagnosed based on the sum of clinical, histopathological, and immunofluorescence findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The traditional medicine is an integral part of the Iranian culture. Since Birjand dental school presented traditional medicine course for dental students for the first time in Iran, this study aimed to evaluate dental students' viewpoints about traditional medicine course. Methods: After approving optional traditional medicine course for dental students in Birjand University of medical sciences, Birjand dentistry students' viewpoints were evaluated in two separate semesters through an open ended questionnaire which its validity and reliability were confirmed. The questionnaire was designed on a five-point Likert scale. The mean of scores for each question and the mean of student scores on all 16 questions were calculated and through comparing with median, positive or negative viewpoints were evaluated. Results: In the first and second runs of course, only two questions (teachers' mastery on the content and student satisfaction from final exam) scored above the median. In the first run of the course and totally in" student's willingness to repass course" the students acquired the least score. All of mean students' score for sum of 16 questions were less than 3 in two runs of the course. Students were generally dissatisfied with the inappropriate timing of classes, the high amounts of content, the impracticality of the subjects, and the lack of relevance to the field of dentistry. Conclusion: All dentistry students had negative viewpoints to traditional medicine course in this form. It is recommended that it should be provided to dental students in a more practical way and as workshops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent researches have provided evidences of the importance of endothelin axis in carcinogenesis. According to our knowledge, no data exists about endothelin A receptor (ETA) expression in dysplastic oral mucosa (DOM). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate immunohistochemical expression of ETA in DOM. Methods:In this cross-sectional study, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 20 cases of DOM and 20 cases of normal oral mucosa (NOM) were studied. Three-micron sections were prepared from tissue blocks and stained with ETA antibody using immunohistochemistry. Percentage of stained cells and staining intensity were compared between DOM and NOM groups and also between different grades of DOM using Mann-Whitney, Chi-Square and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests. Results:In DOM group, 11 cases were stained positive for ETA and in NOM group 17 cases were not stained. Comparison of percentage of stained cells and staining intensity for ETA revealed significant difference between DOM and NOM groups (P=0.01 and 0.02, respectively). There were significant differences among different grades of DOM with respect to the percentage of stained cells (P=0.001) and staining intensity (P=0.02), so that higher grades showed greater expression for ETA. Conclusion:Our results supported ETA receptor role in the initiation of carcinogenesis process in oral cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction:Calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) is an odontogenic cyst that sometimes shows aggressive behavior, while dentigerous cyst (DC) always has a benign nonaggressive course. There are evidences that myofibroblasts are involved in invasion and their role in biologic behavior of odontogenic cysts has been less understood. So, the aim of the present study was to compare the role of myofibroblasts in COC and DC. Methods:In this cross-sectional study, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 20 COCs and 20 DCs were studied. Four-micron sections were prepared from tissue blocks and stained with α-SMA antibody using immunohistochemistry. Percentages of myofibroblasts were semi quantitatively classified into negative (<5% of cells were positive), weak (5-50% cells were positive) and strong (>50% of cells were positive). Percentage of myofibroblasts was compared between COC and DC groups using t-test and Chi-Square statistical tests. Results:Means of myofibroblasts percentages in COC and DC groups were respectively 35±33 and 32±30 that did not show significant difference between COC and DC groups (P=0.76). There was not any significant difference between COC and DC groups with respect to semi quantitative classification of percentage of myofibroblasts (P=0.62). Conclusion:Myofibroblasts probably do not play a significant role in different biologic behaviors of calcifying odontogenic and dentigerous cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent research has provided evidences indicating the importance of endothelin axis in carcinogenesis. According to our knowledge, there are little information about endothelin A receptor (ETA) expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). So, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of ETA in OSCC and normal oral mucosa (NOM). Methods:In this cross-sectional study, studied group composed of paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 21 OSCCs and 20 NOMs. Four micron sections were prepared from tissue blocks and stained with ETA antibody using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Percentage of stained cells and staining intensity were compared between OSCC and NOM groups and also between different grades of OSCC using Mann-Whitney, Chi-Square and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests. Results:In OSCC group, all cases showed positive staining for ETA while in NOM group, 17 cases showed no staining. Comparison of the percentage of stained cells and staining intensity for ETArevealed a significant difference between OSCC and NOM groups (P<0.001). There was also a significant difference between different grades of OSCC with respect to the percentage of stained cells (P=0.01) so that with increase in grade, ETA expression was also increased. Conclusion:The results of this study support the role of ETA receptor in carcinogenesis process and progression of OSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosinophils produce proteases that stimulate invasion in cancers. Due to the more malignant potential of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) compared to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), the aim of the present study was to compare tissue eosinophilia between OSCC and CSCC samples to understand whether tissue eosinophilia play a role in different biological behavior of OSCC and CSCC. Also, we assessed the relation between clinical stage and mean eosinophil counts. This cross-sectional study included histopathological slides of 30 OSCC, 30 CSCC, 15 normal skin and 15 normal oral mucosa samples. The mean number of eosinophil per square millimeter (eos/mm2) was calculated and the severity of tissue eosinophilia was accordingly categorized into absent/mild and sever. Clinical stages of OSCC and CSCC samples were extracted from archived files. There was significant relationship between mean eosinophil count and clinical stage in both OSCC and CSCC groups (P<0.0001).The differences of mean numbers of eos/mm2 in OSCC and CSCC groups compared to normal groups were significant (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively), but when we compared OSCC and CSCC groups, the difference was not significant. OSCC and CSCC groups showed significant difference in severity of tissue eosinophilia compared to normal groups (P=0.005 and P =0.004, respectively), but in comparison of OSCC and CSCC groups, the difference was not significant. Intense tissue eosinophilia is correlated with stromal invasion in OSCC and CSCC samples as seen in advanced clinical stage. Different biological behaviors of OSCC and CSCC do not depend on eosinophils and other factors can be involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Gene polymorphisms are responsible for at least part of the variation in caries susceptibility despite similar environmental factors. Genes involved in enamel formation like matrix metalloproteinase-13 ( MMP-13 ) may participate in caries process. The aim was to investigate the association between MMP-13 rs478927 polymorphism and caries susceptibility in 6-years-old children from Birjand, Iran., Methods: Six-years old children from Birjand, Iran, participated in this study. The total decayed, missing, and filled teeth were calculated and defined as caries index (CI). Based on this CI, two groups of high-caries (case) and low-caries (control) were taken into account. Saliva samples were collected and DNA was extracted. The allele and genotypes of MMP-13 rs478927 polymorphism were determined by tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR) method. p Value was significant if p  < 0.05., Results: Three hundred sixty-seven children consisted of 186 low-caries children and 181 high-caries children were included in this study. The mean CI was 6.02 ± 0.81. There was no significant association between high and low-caries groups based on socioeconomic status, eating sweet snacks, parents' susceptibility to dental caries, duration of breastfeeding, and the brushing habit ( p  > 0.05). There wasn't any significant association between genotype distribution of MMP-13 rs478927 polymorphism and CI groups ( p  = 0.924). This polymorphism was associated with increased caries susceptibility under all genetic models but this effect was not significant ( p  > 0.05)., Conclusion: The MMP-13 rs478927 gene polymorphism was not significantly associated with dental caries susceptibility in Birjandi children with mixed dentition. It is recommended to conduct studies on children of different dentitions to better understand the role of this polymorphism on caries susceptibility in primary and permanent teeth of children., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2023 The Authors. Health Science Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Astrocyte elevated gene 1 (AEG-1), also known as metadherin, is an oncogene which is overexpressed in various types of cancer, playing important roles in invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis and chemotherapy resistance. Hence it might be used as a therapeutic target. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of AEG-1 as a novel molecular marker in oral squamous cell carcinomas and establish correlations with clinicopathologic factors. Materials and Methods: Thirty formalin fixed paraffin-embedded blocks of OSCC cases and 30 samples of normal oral mucosa with minimal inflammation were selected and stained immunohistochemically for AEG-1. Staining intensity and percentage of stained cells were scored according to nuclear and cytoplasmic staining of epithelial cells. Relationship between immunoreactivity and clinicopathologic factors were examined by T-test and Mann-Whitney. Results: AEG-1 expression in OSCCs was greater than in normal oral mucosa (P<0.05). However, nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of AEG-1 was not associated with any of the clinicopathologic factors, age and gender of patients, tumor location, smoking history, tumor staging and grading, metastasis to lymph nodes and distant metastasis ( P>0.05). Conclusion: The current results support some role of AEG-1 in genesis of oral squamous cell carcinomas., (Creative Commons Attribution License)